Neshaminy edges Bensalem

MIDDLETOWN — Neshaminy came out on top of Bensalem Thursday in a Suburban One League National Conference game.

The Redskins’ Lauren Quense went seven solid innings striking out 15 and picked up the 2-0 shutout victory — her third win in as many days — improving her record to 11-1.

Bensalem’s Jackie Morell absorbed the loss, and also went the distance, allowing just four hits and striking out three.

“We expected Bensalem to come out and play well. They’ve been playing well the last couple of games and we knew that they have a good pitcher (Jackie Morell),” Neshaminy coach Dave Chichilliti said.

“We knew that she was going to keep the ball around the plate and pound the plate and we knew that we needed to be patient. We did that and got some hits and moved some runners when we did.

“(Morell) pitched a great game. Both pitchers pitched incredibly well,” he said. “It came down to making the better defensive plays and getting the hits when we needed to and we were able to execute that.”

Quense struck out two batters in the opening frame, but Bensalem collected the game’s first hit in the second inning when Lauren Morell singled down the left-field line. She was caught stealing when catcher Sam Offenback gunned her down at second with shortstop Dianna LaPalombara making the tag.

It wasn’t until the fourth inning that the Redskins crossed the dish. Julia McGovern led off with a single, swiped second, and was brought home on a double from Sarah Snider-Leonhauser to deep center.

Neshaminy added an insurance run in the sixth when LaPalombra reached third on a single that was misplayed in the outfield, and scored on a sacrifice fly from McGovern.

“It felt really good (to get that RBI double) and everyone in the dugout started to get up and we were really getting into the game,” Snider-Leonhauser said. “It’s been a long week. But we are playing strong defense and as long as we are doing that we know that we can do anything even if our bats aren’t doing good. All wins are big. They all feel good. And they are all very important.”

Quense struck out the side in each of the final two innings, securing Neshaminy’s unblemished record in the SOL National at 9-0.

“I come out with the same intensity every time,” Quense said. “It doesn’t really matter to me about the strikeouts. I think as a whole our team got stronger near the end of the game. We need to come out stronger, but even though our bats weren’t here today, our defense was. Defense is really what wins you games.”

Bensalem collected five hits in the game with Jackie Morell, Lauren Morell, Kelly Nolan, Iz Hausbury, and Erin McVicor all reaching first base safely, but never getting past second base.

“We did the very best we could and hats off to Neshaminy. Maybe we’ll see them in the playoffs,” Owls’ coach Dan Schram said.

Neshaminy will play its fourth game in a row on Friday night at 7 against Bristol.

“It was a big win,” Chichilliti said. “It’s tough on us physically and mentally, but I think that we have a championship team and these are the kind of tests that you want to give yourself throughout the season. Hopefully we can come out and keep the energy up for (Friday against Bristol).”

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